Watching homebrew games get a better opportunity on multiple consoles is always a good thing. After all, they start out as small, inspired pieces of work, but then they get a chance to expand their audience. It’s really something. Mega Cat Studios’ ZPF is the latest game to do so, a hardcore “shmup” inspired by the golden days of Mega Drive/Sega Genesis. I still prefer Earthion for various reasons, but fans of this sort of ruckus shouldn’t dare miss it.
The game lets you choose between three characters (two varied ships and one very powerful knight) as you mow down deformed, dangerous enemies. Of course, you’ll need to power up along the way and avoid bullets like the dickens (yes, I said that), or you’ll start over again.
ZPF is on the tough side, which is its biggest Achilles Heel. It might be too tough for some, especially in comparison to the more balanced Earthion. But those that crave that sort of thing are in for it, with a little bit of options to tweak here and there. I just wish it came with leaderboards, so you could challenge the world.
Even without the options, though, ZPF still comes through, particularly with its creative presentation. The visuals look like something straight out of the 16-bit era, and the old-school soundtrack doesn’t miss. It’s a mere $10 and you get more than your money’s worth out of it. ZPF isn’t a legendary classic, but it’s not bad.
ZPF Asks the Question, “Hey, You Like Shooting and Dodging Bullets?”
Across ZPF, you’ll use three different types of ships. Well, two ships and a knight that’s really good with a melee attack. You’ll then set across seven different zones (three at first), dodging enemy fire while continuing on your way. Of course, you’ll come across tougher boss enemies that require a little bit of strategy, before moving on to the next stage.
Now, a word of warning – the structure of ZPF is left wanting, especially compared to, say, the mighty Earthion. It doesn’t have too many options to tinker with, and there are no online leaderboards. That sadly removes any element of competitive play – something a game like this was built for. After all, we all wanted that top spot on the arcade machine growing up. (Of course, I was “GTM”, and not “ASS” like some people expect.”
Also, the difficulty is…up there. ZPF is notoriously hard, and once you’re done, you have to start all over again. That may tick off a few of you. However, those of you that grew up on Hellfire and other titles of that ilk won’t have any trouble with that. And you can always level up, so your firepower becomes much more varied. You’ll need it.
Finally, the game’s asking price isn’t bad at all. You pay a mere $10 and ZPF is all yours, while you support the good developers behind it. That’s a fair asking price for a Mega Drive/Genesis inspired shooter. And if you feel ancy enough, you can probably track down an original copy for the Genesis as well.
ZPF could’ve packed on some meatier content. But as it stands, it’s not a bad little “shmup,” provided you’re ready to cut your teeth on some challenge. Because, boy, it’s here.
ZPF Shines With Its Presentation
Where ZPF really stands out is with its visuals and sound, which come across like they’re straight out of the 16-bit era.
The visuals really pop off the screen at times, with mutli-scrolling levels and some very good enemy variety. The only downside is that there’s so much frantically thrown onto the screen, it can be easy to miss a bullet or two. I also wish there were more screen-altering options, as there aren’t nearly enough here. But hey, not bad.
I also enjoy the music. Using an old-school Genesis processor, it sounds like a winner across each stage. It’s not quite Yuzo Koshiro quality, but it’s very listenable and a lot of fun to shoot to. The sound effects deliver as well, though I wish there were more vocal effects.
We (Almost) Got It All With ZPF
Though I still prefer Earthion for its content and endgame, ZPF is a fun little burst of nostalgic goodness. Its price isn’t a heavy burden on your wallet, and it has the visuals and sound to remind you of the glory days of 16-bit Genesis. The gameplay’s good too, though I would’ve liked more difficulty settings, and those helpful leaderboards.
ZPF stands as a hearty little snack that’s worth adding to your “shmup” library – but be prepared. These freaks aren’t playing around.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Mega Cat Studios for providing us with a review code! ZPF is available now for PC/Steam/Steam Deck, Xboxand Nintendo Switch!
